INTRODUCTION

The Semantic Technology Institute (STI) Innsbruck at the University of Innsbruck, Austria in collaboration with the Free University of Berlin, Germany is conducting research in the field of cost estimation for semantic technology projects. As a continuation of our research in the field of cost estimation for ontology engineering, we are in the process of adapting the initial model used for ontologies to more lightweight structures, such as taxonomies.The aim of our study is to produce a model with improved accuracy by examining structures similar in complexity and expressivity. In addition to having a more accurate model, we believe that this research will contribute to understanding which aspects of developing structured knowledge contribute and the extent with which they contribute to the development effort. In our opinion such models can assist practitioners in the knowledge management field to make more cost-effective decisions regarding knowledge creation tasks.

ABOUT THIS SURVEY

ONTOCOM Lite is an attempt to adapt the Ontology Cost Model (ONTOCOM) to taxonomies. Similar to ONTOCOM, the model uses an equation that contains product-, personnel and project management-related cost drivers quantified in terms of effort multipliers. The effort multipliers are rated with values from Very Low to Very High, depending on their positive or negative impact on the nominal development effort. Before gathering historical data, which is a prerequisite for a statistical calibration of the model, a validation of the model and the selected cost drivers is necessary. The validation is based on interviews with experts in the field of developing taxonomies.

The survey is divided into 3 parts:

• Information about the survey participant
• General purpose questions about taxonomy development
• Questions to selected costs drivers

In the first part of the survey you are required to specify your personal details, affiliation, background and experience in developing taxonomies. In the second part of the survey you should reflect on general aspects of taxonomy development based on your personal experience and knowledge. At times you might be required to rank certain choices. At the end you should provide your own feedback and comments. In the third part of the survey you should evaluate a proposed set of concrete cost drivers. You will also need to provide a productivity range for each cost driver (the description of a productivity range is given at the beginning of Section 3). You might also provide comments for each cost driver, personal or based on the questions provided below the tables.

PART 1: Information about the survey participant